Prior to the introduction of China and Tea roses to Europe, roses grown there bloomed once per season; bear in mind that the climate for northern and central Europe is characterized by relatively short summers. Most roses would come out of dormancy, bloom, and go dormant again, all within a relatively short time span. While the China and Tea roses brought repeat bloom to Europe, they were not reliably cold hardy in northern reaches. Rose Autumn Damask, introduced into Europe almost two thousand years (yes, twenty centuries) before either China or Tea roses was in fact the first remontant rose introduced into Europe.

Autumn Damask’s roses are produced in a major flush during spring, with a second, lesser flush during the fall. The blooms themselves are loosely double, and of a clear pink which is not the least bit abrasive in hue. Canes grow to a lax six feet or so, and flowering will be improved if the stems are pruned back to four feet. ‘Autumn Damask’ is also attractive pegged or trained along a fence. Fragrance is excellent, and disease resistance is good.

Also known as ‘Quatre Saisons’; in the United States Autumn Damask may be found under the pseudonym of ‘Rose of Castile’, often found naturalized along roads and byways.

Also known as: ‘Quatre Saisons’, ‘Four Seasons Rose’, ‘Rose of Castile’
Introduced: Ancient
Class: Damask
Zones: 4-9 (marginal in Zone 4)
Parentage: ‘R. gallica’ x ‘R. moschata’
Flowers: Loosely double; light to medium pink
Size: 4 to 6 feet
Fragrance: Excellent
Of note: Historic rose. Cold tolerant.

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